Paddle the scenic Branch River

Sunday

May 19, 2013 at 12:01 AM

MILTON MILLS — For the ninth successive year, Moose Mountains Regional Greenways (MMRG) and Branch Hill Farm/Carl Siemon Family Charitable Trust (CSFCT) will team up to offer canoe and kayak enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy a group paddle of the pristine Branch River. The event will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. It features a 4-1/2 scenic mile trip along the conserved banks of the Branch River to the Salmon Falls River and upper end of Milton Three Ponds. A picnic lunch will be provided at the paddle destination on Branch Hill Farm property.

The day will begin with a brief introduction by Nels Liljedahl, District Conservationist of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He will discuss how riparian buffers, consisting of natural vegetation such as forest and shrubs along stream banks, can protect our water quality by preventing erosion and filtering out pollution runoff. Such buffers also provide crucial wildlife habitat. Information will also be available on types of financial assistance available from NRCS for landowners to implement best management practices on their woodlots and agricultural land.

At a few stops along the river, NRCS Resource Conservationist Don Keirstead will look at soils, geomorphic process and the related floodplain habitats to develop benchmark conditions for use in restoration projects. At another paddle stop, MMRG Executive Director Virginia Long will share observations of song birds and other birds that inhabit and enliven the stream banks. Paddlers in previous years have enjoyed sightings of orioles, ospreys and more.

Paddlers should bring their own kayaks or canoes and wear US Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices. Transportation for participants and their boats will be provided back to the parking/boat put-in site. Children should be 10 years or older and accompanied by an adult.

This event is extremely popular so be sure to sign up early! Last year there were nearly 70 attendees, which is the maximum allowed. In the case of over-subscription, MMRG members who sign up by May 11 will get first priority. All reservations must be made by May 22. For more information or to pre-register, please contact Kari Lygren, MMRG Education Coordinator, at (603) 978-7125 or email info@mmrg.info. Leave your name, phone number, and the number of people who will attend. A $15 per person donation to MMRG is suggested to help cover event costs. There is no rain date and no pets, please.

MMRG has worked to create conservation land in the Moose Mountains Region for over 12 years, serving the towns of Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield and Wolfeboro. For more information on MMRG, to see a list of upcoming events or articles and photos on past events, go to www.mmrg.info. Branch Hill Farm/CSFCT is a private operating foundation whose mission is to purchase and protect land, to produce quality timber products, and to educate people about sound forestry practices and conservation. For more information on CSFCT, visit www.branchhillfarm.org.